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JEWISH
MUSEUM OF FLORIDA MEDIA
RELEASE For
Immediate Release -
March 4, 2008 Contact: Marcia Jo Zerivitz,
Founding Executive Director & Chief Curator 301
Washington Avenue Miami
Beach, FL 33139 T.305.672.5044
ext. 3180 F.305.672.5933 |
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COMICS
ARTIST ALLEN BELLMAN TO SPEAK AT JEWISH MUSEUM OF FLORIDA MARCH 23 At the
Jewish Museum of Florida, on Sunday, March 23, at 3:00 pm, Timely Comics
veteran Allen Bellman will present "Fairy Tales Can Come True: It Can
Happen to You." This lecture recounts his extensive experience as a comics artist
during the golden age of comic books. Mr. Bellman has also obtained
permission for a one-time exclusive showing of the upcoming documentary film,
Legends Behind the Comic Books, produced by Michael Uslan (Batman Returns) and directed
by Chip Cronkite (son of Walter Cronkite). After the film screening, Mr.
Bellman will answer questions and sign autographs. For reservations call
305-672-5044, ext. 3175. Allen
Bellman was born in Manhattan and studied at the High School of Industrial
Arts. He became a staff artist at Timely Comics during the golden age of
comics. While still a teenager, he did the backgrounds for Syd Shores' Captain
America in 1942,
and eventually worked on titles such as: The Patriot, The Destroyer, The
Human Torch, Jet Dixon of the Space Squadron, All Winners Comics, Marvel
Mystery, Sub Mariner Comics and Young Allies. Bellman also created a crime feature, Let's
Play Detective,
and contributed to pre-Comics Code horror, crime, war and western tales for
Atlas Comics. He worked in the comics field until the early 1950s. After
working in the publishing business, Allen became a successful businessman
and, after 18 years, moved to South Florida where he joined the art
department of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Bellman later became attracted
to the field of photography and won many nationwide photography contests. His
photos have appeared in hardcover books, have been on exhibit in museums in
Florida and have received reviews in newspapers. He attends national comic
book shows and was given the "Inkpot Award" at Comic-Con
International in San Diego in 2007. Mr. Bellman is featured in the upcoming
documentary Legends Behind the Comic Books. The
Jewish Museum of Florida on South Beach is housed in two adjacent
lovingly restored historic buildings that were once synagogues for Miami
Beach's first Jewish congregation. The focal point of the Museum is
"MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida: 1763 to the Present" its core
exhibit, and temporary history and art exhibits that change periodically.
Currently, the Museum is exhibiting Zap! Pow! Bam! The Superhero: The
Golden Age of Comic Books 1938-1950 through April 30, 2008 and an art
installation by Carol Hamoy, PsalmSong, through April 6,
2008. A Collections & Research Center, several films, Timeline Wall of
Jewish history and an expanded Museum Store complete the experience for
visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Accredited by the American Association
of Museums, the Museum is located at 301-311 Washington Avenue, South Beach and
is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Mondays and Civil and Jewish holidays.
Admission: Adults/$6; Seniors/$5; Families/$12; Members and children under 6/
Always Free; Saturdays/Free. For information: 305-672-5044. |